Get involved with the story at your library

All year long the library has programs for book lovers of all ages, from infants to seniors. These programs are so ever-present that we just take them for granted. When do you have story time? Oh, there will be a new one any time now.

As we wrap up the summer and start looking at fall and back to school, however, you might notice a lot more programs on the calendar being started all at once. If you are looking for a new reading experience this year, take a look at some of the programs we offer:

Monthly Book Discussions for Adults

Meet a new book -- or a new friend -- with these programs that can be jumped into at any time all year long. Our staff lovingly chooses a thought-provoking, peer-reviewed book each month and we request enough copies for the group. You check the books out and return them on your own schedule, and if you can, come to the planned discussion (times and dates vary by location) and talk over the book with other people who have just read it too! (Read more about our library book discussion groups.)

Teen and Tweens Reading Programs

There are other programs, such as Teens Read (Rensselaer), that require a committment over several weeks or months, but can be very rewarding for participants. Registered participants can receive free books, plus explore their books with other peer readers using food, crafts and other projects than can make the time much more exciting. For more information about this limited participation program, contact the Rensselaer Library. For information about other teen reading programs, call your local library or stop in.

Paws for Reading (DeMotte)

The DeMotte Library is happy to announce that the Paws to Read program will be offered once again this fall. Elementary readers practice their reading skills by reading to the quietly listening ears of a dog! Reading to a dog can help readers gain confidence and overcome shyness. This reading encouragement program allows children to feel more confident by reading to a non-judgmental, furry friend like reading assistance dogs, Toby and Scooter who are provided and handled by K.V. Pet PALS volunteers Del Cleek and Sherri Truelock. Paws to Read sessions are thirty minutes long and begin on Monday, September 10th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, September 15th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and then every first Monday evening and third Saturday afternoon through November. Readers should pre-register with the library by calling 219-987-2221 or by stopping in at the front desk. Scooter and Toby's tails are wagging in anticipation!

Storytime Programs for Children

Every few weeks there's a new round of planned story time sessions for younger readers. Times and dates and ages vary by location, but these programs involve planned themed crafts, food and books that will appeal to developing readers. Call or stop in at your local library for more information.

Lapsit Storytime

Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. Adults and their one-year-olds are invited to participate in our Lapsit Storytime programs and start a lifetime of reading love. For more information about this program, call or stop in at the Wheatfield Library.

Special Programs

There are other programs all year long to encourage reading and the love of the written word. This fall we will host historical interpretations of Sherlock Holmes and General Milroy. There will be author visits, and other programs as the year goes on. There's always something happening at your library. Stop in and check us out!